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The Perfect Storm: Kale Straight-up

This is hardly breaking news, but it’s new to me so I’m sharing my latest kale epiphany. It is not about a kale smoothie either.

I must be the last person on the planet to try my hand at baking kale into crisps or chips. There is so much hype about it on the internet that a quick Google search came up with well over four million results. I have not completely resisted the idea either; I write frequently on kale. But once it is in the kitchen I usually have a plan for it. I simply have not collectively had: 1) the time, 2) the kale, and 3) the inclination to make it happen.

Last night I experienced the perfect storm: all three conditions were present, and now I understand what all the talk is about. I discovered that Kale Crisps are so easy to make they hardly require a recipe, and that something baffling happens to kale in only 20 minutes.

During this process a transformation occurs and the sometimes-tough-kale under goes a complete metamorphosis. Like a newly minted dollar bill, boring kale becomes deep green, crisp, and light as a feather.

So irresistible, these crisps nearly melt in your mouth. You cannot eat just one, and why should you?

For those who balk at eating their greens, this gives new meaning and hope to the idea of Green Salad.

Your Basic Baked Kale Crisps

Ingredients

1 bunch kale

1 to 2 Tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare the kale: clean it well; pat it dry, or use a salad spinner. Cut away the center ribs, tear or cut the leaves into bite sized portions; they will shrink a bit.

In a large bowl, toss the pieces lightly with olive oil and a dusting of salt. Spread them out onto 2 large baking sheets. Sprinkle the tops with sea salt and pepper of choice (red, freshly ground, etc.).

Bake for about 10 minutes and rotate the sheets. Cook 10 to 15 minutes longer, until crisp and a shiny bright green (not brown). Cool briefly and serve.

Welcome!

I'm Carole, and this is where I celebrate and explore the journey of food from the land to the table. There is a little bit of everything here, but the focus is mainly on wholesome, economical recipes that both nourish and entertain. Naturally, I write about those inevitable food tangents and all the other culinary distractions savored along the way. Enjoy!